Gus Malzahn said Nick Marshall looks more comfortable this spring than last fall, and he thought he threw the ball well.

Malzahn said there were a ‘few good licks’ on defense, and Johnthan Ford and Khari Hardin reportedly brought the hammer.

What Gus Malzahn said: “Now we’ll be able to go into the film room for the first time with a true scrimmage and evaluate our guys,” Malzahn said. “We’ll narrow it down as we go, but I thought our energy level was good. I thought it was a very physical scrimmage, which was very encouraging.”

LSU Tigers

The Tigers’ 120-play scrimmage was highlighted by big plays from both sides.

Kenny Hillard led all rushers with 57 yards, followed by QB Brandon Harris with 41. Anthony Jennings recorded 24 yards rushing.

Terrence Magee sat out the scrimmage due to a minor injury and should return next week.

Quantavius Leslie led all receivers with 136 yards on four catches, including a 65-yard TD reception.

Miles said both Brandon Harris and Anthony Jennings threw the ball better and made improvement. He called the quarterback battle ‘a very competitive situation’.

LB Kendall Beckwith made six tackles, including two for loss.

Safety Ronald Martin recorded two INTs, while defensive back Rickey Jefferson recorded one.

What Les Miles said: “It was a very quality scrimmage and we are continuing to get better. We aren’t ready to play a game yet, but we are much improved. I think the offensive and defensive line have really worked in a competitive manner. You get what you earn and it looked that way today.”

Ole Miss Rebels

However, an interception by Cody Prewitt and fumble recoveries by Serderius Bryant and Bryon Bennett gave the defense touchdowns.

The team was without several players on Saturday: WR Vince Sanders, RB Jaylen Walton, OL Aaron Morris, DT Woodrow Hamilton. Also out on Saturday were WR Quincy Adeboyejo and DB Senquez Golson. Freeze said Adeboyejo (groin) and Golson (stomach virus) should return to action soon.

Freeze singled out Collins Moore and Cody Core for being consistent at receiver.

What Hugh Freeze said: “It was good competition. I thought we ran the ball well. We had some good plays in the passing game. Laquon (Treadwell) made some good plays. I thought we ran the ball much better than we did last week. But the defense took the ball away from us.”

What Steve Spurrier said: “A typical scrimmage. Some good plays on both sides. The quarterbacks all did pretty decent. I’m not disappointed in the quarterbacks. They’re trying as hard as they can. The pass protection isn’t all that super right now, but that’s part of spring football and letting these young guys play that haven’t played much. Hopefully someday they’ll become a player, although we’re not sure if they will, but we hope they will.”

Tennessee Volunteers

The Vols held family day, with 300 in attendance, and the weather conditions were perfect, according to Coach Jones: wet and cold.

The QB competition remains a tight one between Justin Worley, Josh Dobbs, Riley Ferguson and Nathan Peterman. Most indicate that Worley and Ferguson are the two leaders for the job.

Worley hit WR Jason Croom for a beautiful TD pass.

The offensive line remains the weakest aspect of the team, with much work to be done by August.

What Butch Jones said: “This is part of the growth and maturation of our football team and the ability to play in the elements. We try to simulate throwing wet footballs by dunking them in a bucket, but you can never really simulate playing in the rain. I thought these were valuable reps in terms of taking handoffs and how you take care of the football. Tremendous teaching day today.”